• Latest News

    Resthaven Marion joins the Maggie Beer Mentor Program

    Kitchen staff at Resthaven Marion have recently taken part in an intensive 5-day training session as part of the Maggie Beer Mentor Program. The training, which took place from 9-13 July, is the first step in the program which pairs aged care home kitchens with a qualified chef trainer to mentor the team to serve … Continued

    Jumping in the deep end: Swimming champion Vicki Murphy

    As the water glided over her body at the 1958 National Swimming Championships, Resthaven Port Elliot resident, Vicki Murphy, knew she had hit her stride, or stroke as it were. ‘It’s a lovely feeling when it all goes right,’ Vicki says. ‘You can feel the water sliding past your body and everything else just fades … Continued

    Staying active is key for centenarian Mrs Isobel Phillips

    Teeing off on the first hole of the Mount Gambier Golf Club has been one of life’s great pleasures for Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client Mrs Isobel Phillips (nee Grayson), who turns 100 on 31 July. Some healthy competition, being amongst nature and a chance to stay fit all come together in Isobel’s love … Continued

    Happy 100th to Bill Richardson – a man of language

    Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services client, Dr William (Bill) Richardson is a man of language. The former Associate Professor, who turns 100 on July 27, taught French and Spanish at Grammar Schools in England for 13 years, before moving with his wife Helen and their two children to Australia in 1965. Here, he joined the Humanities … Continued

    Allied health workers enhance quality of life for Resthaven clients

    With new allied health workers on staff at Resthaven Western Community Services, clients now have an even greater range of services available to them at the Woodville Road site. ‘We offer in-home support services, exercise and social groups for older people in the western suburbs,’ Karen Hammond, Western Community Services Manager says. ‘Our allied health … Continued

    100th birthday celebrations turn into 101st for Jean

    When the family of Resthaven Port Elliot resident Mrs Jean Foubister began making arrangements to celebrate her 100th birthday in April this year, they were surprised to learn she had actually already reached a century! ‘I was born in Murrayville, just on the Victorian side of the border near Pinaroo,’ Jean says. ‘When I was born, … Continued

    Playing the pipe organ: Maxine finds joy in music

    For more than 40 years, Resthaven Murray Bridge resident, Mrs Maxine Gogler, 86, played the pipe organ at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church at Murray Bridge. ‘The sounds you can get from it are thrilling,’ Maxine says. ‘From the softest whisper to the loudest roar, the organ lets you play with an emotion and range … Continued

    A stitch in time for Jessie

    Mrs Jessie Ratledge (85), of Mount Barker, has created almost 80 Victorian-era dresses, undergarments, and bonnets, which take up an entire room in her home – and she shows no signs of stopping. ‘I’ve always loved Victorian clothing,’ Jessie says. ‘Growing up in Scotland, my mum had these massive books, and I used to pore over … Continued

    Recognising the valued contribution

    On 7 August, we celebrate Aged Care Employee Day, where we recognise the valued contribution that aged care staff make. As our population ages and staff needs continue to increase, it is gratifying to see many younger people joining the sector. Recently, we held a training day specifically for high school students who were joining … Continued

    1,770 years of service recognised at Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards

    On 5 July 2024, almost 100 Resthaven staff were honoured for their long service milestones at the annual Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards luncheon held at the Adelaide Pavilion. The Resthaven Staff Appreciation Awards, held every year since 1993 (excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), celebrate staff who have completed their service milestones in increments … Continued

    Resthaven celebrates NAIDOC Week

    For Resthaven Registered Nurse and proud Kaurna woman Kim Long, NAIDOC Week (7-14 July) is a chance for everyone to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Kim is part of the team at Resthaven Marion Community Services and says supporting clients to continue living independently in … Continued

    Claire brings her creativity through volunteering

    Leaning into her interests and background in wellness and health, Claire Bosworth explored ways to share her passion and engage with her community. She reached out to Resthaven to enquire about volunteering and was delighted to discover her place with the Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services ‘Wellness on Wednesdays’ group. ‘We have a lot … Continued

    Art and music a way of life for centenarian Mrs Dorothy Pyne

    Bringing a smile to someone’s day is the main motivator for Mrs Dorothy Pyne, a resident at Resthaven Port Elliot, who turns 100 on 30 June. A gifted hobby artist, Dorothy creates beautiful hand-illustrated greeting cards, which she presents to people on their birthday, as well as when they arrive at the residential aged care … Continued

    A brush with art for Resthaven clients

    On Friday, 24 May, clients of Resthaven Community Respite Services took part in a national zoom session on art appreciation and art therapy at Hersey Cottages, Marion. Conducted by an art educator at the National Art Gallery of Australia, the online program catered to people living with dementia and their care partners from across the … Continued

    Mrs Fay Penn enjoys new home at Resthaven Murray Bridge

    In her own words, Mrs Fay Penn’s health was plummeting, and she wasn’t managing at home. When the call came from Toni at Resthaven’s Residential Accommodation Enquiries team, Fay jumped at the chance to move into Resthaven Murray Bridge. ‘I knew that if I left it and ended up in hospital for some reason, then … Continued

    Port Elliot a favourite for new manager Louise

    Walking along the beach at Port Elliot on Christmas Day, 2023, Louise Banner took a deep breath and felt herself take in the moment. The weather was just 18 degrees, and there was a storm coming, but with her dog Sooty besides her, Louise felt grateful and happy to be there. She was on holidays … Continued